This award recognizes outstanding efforts by a scientist who has demonstrated the importance of microbial biodiversity through sustained curatorial or stewardship activities for a major resource used by the scientific community. It honors the memory of Dr. Porter and his remarkable contributions to science.

Eligibility:The nominee will have greatly aided other scientists by demonstrating the fundamentals of culture collections and related resources and the rich biodiversity that such collections preserve. These resources may include collections of cells or microorganisms, databases or tools, or major reference works or services as an essential aspect of either one or more major publications or an extensive work effort.

Deadline:May 1st, 2016.

Nominations:Nominations will be submitted by any member of ASM and/or USFCC. Nominations will be considered without updating for three years. Self-nominations and more than one nomination per nominee will not be accepted. Only one nominating form and two supporting forms are accepted per nomination. The two supporters must be persons other than the nominator who are familiar with the nominee's qualifications and accomplishments. Only one of the three individuals involved in the nomination may be employed at the nominee's institution. The nominator and supporters must not share employers. Nominations must consist of the following: